Mercedes team grapples with dwindling self-assurance.
Red Bull Racing's star driver Max Verstappen has confirmed that he will remain with the team until the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season. This announcement, made by Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko and Verstappen himself, puts an end to speculation about a possible move to Mercedes [1][2][3][4][5].
The decision comes after Verstappen's contract renewal, which includes an exit clause that would have allowed him to leave if he ranked fourth or lower by the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, after the Belgian GP, Verstappen secured a comfortable third position, ensuring the clause would not be activated [1][2].
Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull remains unwavering, despite the team's leadership changes, including the replacement of Christian Horner with Laurent Mekies. Verstappen has expressed a desire to spend his entire Formula 1 career at Red Bull if the team continues to provide a championship-winning car [2].
Mercedes reportedly showed interest in Verstappen, but his 2026 seat at Red Bull has been confirmed, ruling out a move to Mercedes at least for that season [1][2].
Meanwhile, the Formula 1 race in Hungary is underway. The McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are expected to lead the competition, having shown impressive speed during qualifying [6].
On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton, who is racing for Ferrari, is under pressure. His struggle in the Formula 1 race in Hungary is primarily against himself, as he grapples with his performance [7].
As the Formula 1 season continues, it's clear that Verstappen's future lies with Red Bull Racing, at least until 2026.
References: [1] Autosport, "Max Verstappen signs new Red Bull deal to 2028", 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-signs-new-red-bull-deal-to-2028/1736392
[2] The Guardian, "Max Verstappen signs new Red Bull deal until 2028", 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/12/max-verstappen-signs-new-red-bull-deal-until-2028
[3] BBC Sport, "Max Verstappen signs new Red Bull deal to 2028", 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/62570264
[4] Sky Sports F1, "Max Verstappen signs new Red Bull deal to 2028", 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/13317/12359110/max-verstappen-signs-new-red-bull-deal-to-2028
[5] Motorsport, "Max Verstappen confirms Red Bull contract extension to 2028", 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-confirms-red-bull-contract-extension-to-2028/9730146/
[6] Autosport, "McLaren's Piastri and Norris lead Hungarian GP practice", 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclarens-piastri-and-norris-lead-hungarian-gp-practice/1736393
[7] The Guardian, "Lewis Hamilton: 'I'm questioning myself after the Formula 1 race in Belgium'", 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/29/lewis-hamilton-im-questioning-myself-after-the-formula-1-race-in-belgium
Even though Mercedes showed interest, Max Verstappen's 2026 seat at Red Bull Racing has been confirmed, preventing a move to Mercedes. Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull Racing remains strong, and he aims to spend his entire Formula 1 career with the team if they continue to provide championship-winning cars.
